Auxiliary eyewear attachment methods and apparatus and universal adapter

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for mounting auxiliary eyeglasses on conventional eyeglasses in which magnets are attached to appendages on the auxiliary eyeglasses mating with magnets mounted on the temple extensions of conventional eyeglasses. The magnets on the auxiliary eyeglasses are mounted in sockets formed on the appendages of the auxiliary eyeglasses such that their maximum magnetic force is oriented vertically or parallel to the plane of the conventional eyeglass frame. The appendages on the auxiliary eyeglass frame fit beneath the temple extensions on the conventional eyeglasses frame to hold the auxiliary frames in place solely by the magnetic attractive force. The orientation of the magnets is such that the maximum magnetic force resists any downward movement of the auxiliary eyeglasses on the conventional eyeglasses when installed. In a modification of the embodiment, the magnets mounted on the conventional eyeglasses are recessed in sockets formed on the temple extensions while the magnets mounted on the appendages extend out of the sockets. The extended magnets fit into the recesses in the conventional eyeglass sockets automatically aligning and securing the auxiliary eyeglasses on the conventional eyeglasses. Another embodiment is comprised of a universal adapter in which a magnet is mounted in a cylindrical socket and has a tongue with a hole for mounting on conventional eyeglasses with existing hardware.

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of patent application Ser.No. 09/483,552 filed Jan. 14, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,858 issuedFeb. 5, 2002 and Prior application Ser. No. 09/184,694, filed Nov. 2,1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to auxiliary eyewear attachment methods andapparatus, such as clip-on eyewear, and more particular relates to anauxiliary eye wear for attaching auxiliary sunglasses to conventionaleyeglasses.

2. Background Information

Auxiliary eyewear to convert conventional eyeglasses to sunglasses arevery popular. They allow the user to usually avoid the need for twoseparate prescription lenses. They can also be used, but lessfrequently, to attach auxiliary eyewear that can change the prescriptionof lenses. The more common use, however, is to add tinted lenses toconventional eyeglasses.

A number of different designs are available for auxiliary eyewearincluding clip-on eyewear, as well as auxiliary eyewear attachment usingmagnets. One method of attaching auxiliary eyewear is by clips. A methodof attaching auxiliary eyewear by clips is shown and described in U.S.application Ser. No. 08/510,797 filed Aug. 3, 1995 to the same inventoras the invention disclosed herein and incorporated herein by reference.Another patent describing a clip-on type of sunglasses is disclosed anddescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,696,571 issued Dec. 9, 1997 to Spencer etal. In these devices auxiliary eyewear is fastened to eyeglasses by aconventional clip system with one clipping engaging the temple whileother clips engage the conventional frame.

A newer and very popular method of attaching eyeglasses is by usingmagnets. One such method is disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No.4,070,105 of Meeker. In the Meeker patent the conventional frameincludes a magnetic material secured around the peripheral portionfacilitating attachment of auxiliary eyeglasses to the conventionaleyeglass frame.

Another method of attaching auxiliary eyeglasses using magnets isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,537 of Sadler having magnets secured totemporal portions of a conventional frame that mate with similar magnetsin auxiliary eyeglass frames. In the Meeker and Sadler patents themagnets are embedded in portions of the frames in a vertical orientationfor mating with similar magnets in the auxiliary eyeglasses. A problemwith this type of arrangement is that the auxiliary eyeglasses are heldin place in front of the conventional eyeglasses only by the strength ofthe magnets. There are no supporting members to prevent the auxiliaryeyeglasses from moving vertically relative to the conventional eyeglassframe. Therefore, when the auxiliary eyeglasses are used in somestrenuous activity such as jogging or exercising they can slide off andbecome detached from the conventional frame.

A design that solves this problem by having magnets in auxiliaryeyeglass extensions is disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No.5,568,207 of Chao. In this patent the problem of the eyeglasses slidingvertically and coming off the conventional eyeglasses is solved byextensions on the auxiliary eyeglasses having magnets that extend over(i.e. above) hinge connections for the temples of the conventionaleyeglasses. Magnets in the hinge connections mate with magnets in theextensions to hold the utility eyeglasses in place in front of theconventional eyeglasses. The extensions fitting over (i.e. above) thehinge portions of the conventional eyeglasses prevent the frames frommoving downward. It was thought that this combination of the extensionbeing above the temple connection in combination with the magnetprevents the auxiliary eyeglasses from moving downward relative to theconventional eyeglasses and being dislodged during strenuous activity.That is, the patent describes the prior art as being unable to provide apractical solution to attaching auxiliary eyeglasses to conventionaleyeglasses with magnets alone.

The problem with the eyeglasses disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No.5,568,207 is that the auxiliary eyeglass extensions must be carefullyplaced above the temple hinge connections. This makes it little moredifficult to attach the auxiliary frames to be sure that the extensionsare placed carefully above the hinge connections of the conventionaleyeglass. In most cases a wearer has to remove his conventionaleyeglasses to attach the auxiliary lenses.

It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide animproved method and apparatus for attaching auxiliary eyeglasses toconventional eyeglasses.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved methodand apparatus for attaching auxiliary eyeglasses to conventionaleyeglasses with magnets alone without any need for other support.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method ofattaching auxiliary eyeglasses to conventional eyeglasses by appendageshaving magnets which fit below and mate with similar magnets in theconventional eyeglass extensions for attaching eyeglass temples.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedmagnetic attachment of auxiliary eyeglasses to conventional eyeglasseswith magnets that are oriented to maximize the magnetic force to preventvertical or downward movement of the auxiliary eyeglasses.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliaryeyeglass magnetic connection having magnets that are orientedhorizontally to maximize the magnetic force in the vertical direction.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliaryeyeglass magnetic attachment that includes additional supporting clips,if desired.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide auxiliaryeyeglass magnetic attachment that includes a clip that conveniently fitsover the bridge of conventional eyeglass frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved auxiliaryeyeglass attachment method and apparatus that has a secure attachment byuse of magnets that effectively prevents the auxiliary eyeglasses frombecoming detached from the conventional eyeglass without a need foradditional support.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the auxiliary eyeglassesare attached to conventional eyeglasses by magnets in a manner thatprevents any downward or vertical movement that might cause theauxiliary eyeglasses to become detached. The method of attaching withmagnets disclosed herein also provides a much easier method of securingthe auxiliary glasses to the conventional eyeglasses as will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter.

It was thought, for example, as disclosed in the patent of Chao, U.S.Pat. No. 5,568,207, that some support was needed to prevent theauxiliary eyeglasses from “moving downward” and coming off theconventional eyeglasses. However, what was not recognized was thatmagnets have a very strong attraction in a direction perpendicular totheir axis. That is, with very strong magnets it is difficult toseparate them by pulling them straight apart. Usually to separate them,particularly when they are very strong magnets, is by sliding them in adirection parallel to their mating surfaces. The reason for this is thatthe magnetic force is stronger in a direction perpendicular to thesurface (i.e. the poles) of the magnets than it is to a directionparallel to the surface. The inventor of the auxiliary eyeglassesdisclosed herein discovered that because of this principle correctlyoriented magnets can securely hold auxiliary eyeglasses on conventionalframes without the need for additional support. The key is to orient themagnets so that any vertical force applied to the auxiliary frames willbe perpendicular to the plane of the magnets.

To achieve this unique construction of appendages on opposite sides ofthe auxiliary frames including a socket for receiving magnets that areoriented with the plane of the magnets horizontal and the axis (i.e.poles) vertical or parallel to the auxiliary eyeglass frame.Complementary mating magnets are mounted in sockets on the hingeextensions on the conventional eyeglasses which are also oriented withthe plane of the magnets horizontal and their axis (i.e. poles) verticalor approximately parallel to the plane of the conventional eyeglass.

This arrangement means the auxiliary eyeglasses may be easily mounted onthe conventional eyeglasses without any fumbling or searching. The userdoesn't have to feel with your fingers or remove the eyeglasses to besure that the auxiliary eyeglass appendages are carefully aligned overthe temple mounting extensions as with the arrangement described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,568,207 referred to hereinabove. You simply place theauxiliary eyeglasses against the conventional eyeglasses with a slightupward motion and they easily attach when the magnets come into closeproximity. This arrangement makes for a securely attached auxiliaryeyeglasses and frame that is simple and easy to use without thedifficulties with the other auxiliary eyeglass designs.

One can easily see the auxiliary eyeglasses approaching the conventionaleyeglasses with the appendages on the auxiliary eyeglasses below thetemple of the conventional eyeglass frame. Then with a very slightupward movement the magnets attract and the auxiliary eyeglass frame isfirmly attached. This can be done simply and easily with one handwithout any feeling or fumbling that previous arrangements required. Theorientation is nearly automatic and doesn't require the more carefulalignment that is required of other magnetically fastened auxiliaryeyeglasses.

An optional but preferred embodiment of the invention includesmodification of the sockets for receiving the magnets that are mountedin the appendages in opposite sides of the utility frames and incomplementary sockets on temple extensions on the conventionaleyeglasses. In this embodiment the magnets in the sockets on either theauxiliary frames or the temple extensions on the conventional eyeglassesare recessed while the magnets in the opposite sockets are slightlyextended or raised. This provides a distinct and improved advantage inmating the magnets on the auxiliary frames with the magnets on thetemple extensions of the conventional eyeglasses.

The unique and distinct advantage of the invention is the avoidance ofscratching the lenses with the appendages for holding the magnetsockets. The reason, for this is that the auxiliary eyeglasses aremounted from below. With the recessed sockets a more firm attachment isachieved and alignment of the auxiliary eyeglass frames on theconventional eyeglass frames is almost automatic. One need only pressthe auxiliary eyeglass lenses against the conventional eyeglass lensesand with a slight upward movement, the raised magnets on one side almostautomatically slip into and seat in the recess in the complementarysocket. The raised and recessed magnets provide automatic alignment andadditional support against horizontal movement of the auxiliaryeyeglass.

Another optional but preferred embodiment of the invention includes theuse of a universal adapter to mount magnets on conventional eyeglassframes utilizing existing hardware and components. This embodimentprovides a universal adapter for attaching magnets to conventionaleyeglasses. The embodiments described previously have permanentlyattached magnets requiring specially constructed eyeglass frames. Theprevious embodiments have sockets with magnets permanently attached totemple extensions for mating with matching magnets on auxiliary eyeglassframes. This embodiment includes a socket with magnets having a tonguewith a hole for mounting the socket on conventional eyeglass framesusing existing hardware.

In one configuration the socket is attached to a tongue for securing toexisting eyeglass frames by a screw passing through the hole of thetongue threaded into the existing threaded hole for mounting the templeson conventional eyeglass frames. The socket holds a magnet constructedto mate with magnets on appendages attached to auxiliary eyeglassframes.

A second configuration includes a socket having a tongue with a hole formounting the universal adapter socket on the conventional frames byutilizing the threaded hole that secures and clamps a lens in theconventional eyeglass frame. In this embodiment the universal adaptersocket has a tongue with a hole for receiving a screw passing throughthe hole and threaded into the hole in the conventional eyeglass framethat secures and clamps the lens to the frame.

In an optional but less preferred embodiment, clips can provideadditional support if desired. This, for example, might be used wherevery small magnets are used to attach the eyeglasses to the frames. Inthis embodiment a combination of the clip shown and described inapplicant's prior application Ser. No. 08/510,797 filed Aug. 3, 1995 orsimilar to that shown in the other patents can be attached to theauxiliary eyeglass frame. A clip would be incorporated into the bridgeof the auxiliary eyeglass frame which would fit over and engage theconventional eyeglass bridge. This would lock the auxiliary eyeglassframe on the conventional eyeglass frame with the magnets holding thesides in place.

In still another optional but less preferred embodiment, a magnet couldbe provided beneath the bridge of a conventional eyeglasses to mate witha similar magnet on top of the bridge of the auxiliary eyeglass frame.In this embodiment clips would be attached on top of or in the templeregion of the auxiliary eyeglass frame that would fit over and engagethe conventional eyeglass frame. In this embodiment the auxiliaryeyeglass would be mounted by sliding the clips over the conventionaleyeglass frame then pushing down on the bridge so that the magnet on thebridge slides under the bridge of the conventional eyeglass frame matingthe magnets. The magnets in the bridge hold the auxiliary eyeglassesonto the frame of the conventional eyeglasses with the clips securelylocking it in place.

The above and other novel features of the invention will be more fullyunderstood from the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating the method and apparatus forattaching an auxiliary eyeglass frame to conventional eyeglasses withmagnets alone.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view illustrating the auxiliary eyeglass frameattached to a conventional eyeglass frame with magnets alone.

FIG. 3 illustrates the connection of the auxiliary eyeglass frame bymagnets embedded in an appendage mating with similar magnets embedded inthe temple extension of a conventional eyeglass frame.

FIG. 4 illustrates an optional embodiment in which a clip formed on thebridge of the auxiliary eyeglass frame fits over and engages the bridgeon the conventional eyeglass frame.

FIG. 5 shows the embodiment of FIG. 4 mounted on a conventional eyeglassframe.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken at 6—6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is another embodiment in which magnets are embedded in the bridgeof the auxiliary eyeglass frame for mating with magnets mounted beneaththe bridge of a conventional eyeglass frame and including clips forlocking the auxiliary eyeglass frame onto the conventional eyeglassframe.

FIG. 8 illustrates the method of mounting the auxiliary eyeglass frameof FIG. 7 on a conventional eye glasses.

FIG. 9 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 7 with the auxiliary eyeglassfirmly secured on a conventional eyeglass frame.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken at 10—10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of another alternate embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the preferred alternate embodimentillustrating the method of mounting the auxiliary sunglasses on theconventional eyeglass frame.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken at 13—13 of FIG. 11 illustrating theconstruction and arrangement in the preferred alternative embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of another optional embodiment of theinvention with like reference numbers indicating like parts throughout.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of another optional embodiment illustratingthe mounting of auxiliary eyeglasses on a conventional eyeglass frame.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken at 16—16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 16 illustrating analternative construction of a universal adapter socket.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of an optional configuration of theoptional embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the optional configuration of theoptional embodiment illustrating the method of mounting auxiliaryeyeglasses on the conventional eyeglass frame.

Frame 20 is a sectional view taken at 20—20 of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A unique method and construction for attaching auxiliary eyeglasses 10to conventional eyeglasses 12 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3.Auxiliary eyeglasses 10 are most commonly tinted eyeglasses to convertconventional eyeglasses 12 to sunglasses but also can have differentprescription lenses. Auxiliary eyeglasses 10 has lenses 14 mounted in aframe 16 having appendages 18 extending rearward on either side of frame16. Conventional eyeglasses 12 have a frame 20 with a bridge 22 withtemple extensions 22 on either side of frame 20 for attaching temples 24to the frames.

In the auxiliary eyeglasses of the prior art magnets are either embeddedin frame 20 or in extension on auxiliary eyeglasses that extend over orabove the temple extensions 22 of the eyeglass frame 20. With the priorart constructions of magnets embedded in frames 20 the plane of themagnets is vertical or parallel to the lenses facilitating detachment ofthe auxiliary eyeglasses by a downward shearing force. To solve thisproblem the auxiliary eyeglasses of U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,207 proposedputting magnets in auxiliary eyeglass extensions that fit over or abovethe temple mounting extensions on the eyeglass frame. It was thoughtthat some support in addition to the magnets was needed to prevent theauxiliary eyeglasses from becoming detached. While this is asatisfactory solution it is not the best solution. The auxiliaryeyeglasses must be carefully positioned above the conventional eyeglassframe to be sure the extensions are above the temples.

The present invention not only provides a solution to the potentialdetachment or dislodging of auxiliary eyeglass frames 10 but simplifiesthe method of mounting the auxiliary eyeglass with minimum fuss. This isachieved by inserting magnets 26 in sockets 28 in appendages 18 attachedto auxiliary eyeglass frame 16. Complementary magnets 30 are mounted insockets 32 attached to conventional eyeglass frame 20 temple extensions22. Preferably magnets 26 and 30 are at least four millimeters (4 mm) indiameter.

An important and critical feature of the invention is the orientation ofmagnets 26 and 30, which is shown more clearly in sectional view of FIG.3. Generally magnets have plane surfaces and axis. In this case magnets26 and 30 are shown as cylindrical having an axis 34 that is verticallyoriented and is approximately parallel to auxiliary frame 16 andconventional eyeglass frame 20. This means the maximum magneticattractive force is vertically oriented along axis 34. Accordingly themaximum magnet force of magnets 26 and 30 is vertically oriented toresist dislodging of auxiliary eyeglass frame 10 by a downward movement.It was found that by mounting magnets 26 and 30 approximately 4 mm indiameter having a strong magnetic force vertically oriented issufficient to hold auxiliary eyeglass frame 10 in place and preventdownward movement. Thus, auxiliary eyeglass frame 10 is securely mountedon conventional eyeglasses 12 and will not easily dislodged by strenuousactivity occurring in sports or exercising.

Shearing forces along interface 36 are minimal and would more likelycause conventional eyeglasses 12 to fall off the wearer before auxiliaryeyeglasses 10 would be dislodged. This construction not only improvesthe attachment of auxiliary eyeglasses 10 but also makes it easy forthem to be mounted as illustrated in FIG. 2. Auxiliary eyeglasses 10 canmerely be brought up to conventional eyeglasses 12 with a slight upwardmotion until magnet 26 is attracted to magnet 30 and locks in place.Thus, they can easily be oriented and mounted on conventional eyeglasses12 without the need to remove conventional eyeglasses from the wearer.

An optional but less preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 4through 6. In this embodiment auxiliary eyeglasses 10′ have appendages18 with magnets 26 installed in sockets 28 as before. Magnets 26 matewith magnets 30 mounted in sockets 32 on conventional temple extensions22 on conventional eyeglass frame 20 as before. However, to provideadditional security and hold auxiliary frame 10′ on conventionaleyeglass frame 20, bridge 38 of auxiliary eyeglass frame 40 is formedwith a clip 42 constructed to extend over and mount on conventionaleyeglass bridge 44. Clip 42 will provide additional support forauxiliary eyeglasses 10′ for use in extremely strenuous activity, forexample, in cases where sports activities are such that conventionaleyeglasses 12 are secured to the head of the wearer with straps thatwrap around the back of the head. As shown in FIG. 6 clip 42 formed onauxiliary eyeglass bridge 38 fits securely over bridge 44 onconventional eyeglass frame 20.

To mount the auxiliary eyeglasses 10′ of FIG. 4, they are placed againstthe conventional eyeglasses 12 and slid gently upward until magnet 26mates with magnet 30. Clip 42 formed in bridge 38 of auxiliary frame 40is then slipped over a conventional eyeglass bridge 44 securely mountingeyeglasses 10′ on conventional eyeglasses 12.

Another embodiment utilizing the combination of magnets and clips tosecurely mount auxiliary eyeglasses on conventional eyeglasses isillustrated in FIG. 7 through 10. In this embodiment auxiliaryeyeglasses 50 are formed with clips 52 mounted on the eyeglass frame 54on the upper quadrant of the frame. Magnets 56 are secured in bridge 58joining auxiliary eyeglass lenses 60. Conventional eyeglasses 62 areformed with frame 64 having a bridge 66 having complementary magnets 68mounted in the bridge. In this embodiment auxiliary eyeglasses 50 aremounted on conventional eyeglasses 62 by the combination and opposingforces of clips 52 fitting over frame 70 of conventional eyeglasses 62and bridge 58 fitting beneath bridge 66 so that magnets 56 in bridge 66mate.

The installation of auxiliary eyeglasses 50 on conventional eyeglasses62 is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Clips 52 on the upper quadrant ofauxiliary lens frame 54 fit over conventional eyeglass frame 70 as shownin FIG. 8. Auxiliary eyeglass bridge 58 is sufficiently flexible thatbridge 58 can be pushed beneath bridge 66 on conventional eyeglass frame62 allowing magnets 56 to mate with magnets 68 embedded in conventionaleyeglass bridge 66. Thus, auxiliary eyeglasses 50 are securely mountedon conventional eyeglasses 62 as illustrated in FIG. 9 and held in placeby the opposing forces of clips 52 and magnets 56 and 68. Again, thisconstruction would perhaps be best where extremely strenuous activity isinvolved that requires conventional eyeglasses 62 to be secured on thehead of the wearer with a strap.

Another alternate but preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 11through 13. This embodiment improves the mounting of auxiliaryeyeglasses 10′ on conventional eyeglass frames 12′ and also improves theaesthetic appearance. This embodiment improves the appearance of themagnets in the conventional eyeglass frame 12′ by covering the exposedsurface with a protective and decorative coating of material 72configured to match the color and appearance of the conventionaleyeglass frames 12′. Thus when auxiliary eyeglass frames 10′ are removedfrom conventional eyeglass frames 12′, the magnets in the sockets arenot clearly visible. This is not possible with the arrangement in whichthe magnets mate above the conventional eyeglass frame 12′. When theauxiliary eyeglass frames 10′ are removed the magnets would be visible.

A unique and important improvement is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. Inthis embodiment a significant improvement has been achieved to assuresecure attachment and alignment of auxiliary eyeglass frames 10′ withconventional eyeglass frames 12′. To assure proper alignment and secureattachment, magnets 26 in sockets 28 are extended or raised whilemagnets 30 in socket 32 are offset in recess 74. Thus when auxiliaryframes 10′ are pressed against conventional frames 12 with a gentleupward movement, alignment is insured by raised magnets 26 slipping intoand seating in recess 74 in conventional eyeglass sockets 32 as shown inFIG. 13. Magnet 26 in socket 28 are also covered with a protective anddecorative coating material 72 to improve the aesthetic appearance andconceal the magnets.

Of course, either of sockets 28 or 30 could contain the recessed socketswhile the other complementary socket could have the extended or raisedmagnet. The raised magnets 26 on the auxiliary eyeglass are merely shownto illustrate the construction and arrangement that improves alignmentand provides a more secure attachment of auxiliary eyeglass frames 10′on primary or conventional eyeglass frames 12′. The lip or surface ofrecess 74 in socket 32 provides additional support for the auxiliaryeyeglass frames to prevent the auxiliary eyeglass frames from moving ina horizontal direction. The construction and arrangement provides notonly a secure and very efficient method of attaching auxiliary eyeglassframes 10′ to main or conventional eyeglass frames 12′ but providesautomatic alignment and makes attachment much easier.

However, for most sports activities and exercising the constructiondisclosed and described with respect to FIGS. 1 through 3 is sufficientto mount auxiliary eyeglasses 10 on conventional frames 12. The keyfeature here is the orientation of magnets 26 and 30 so that the maximummagnetic attractive force along their axis (i.e. poles) 34 is verticallyoriented or parallel with conventional eyeglass frame 20. In an optionalbut preferred embodiment the magnets form a recess in the sockets oneither the auxiliary eyeglass frames or the conventional eyeglass frameswhile the magnets are slightly raised in the complementary sockets. Thisimproves and assists in aligning the auxiliary eyeglass frames on theconventional eyeglass frames and also provides more secure attachment byhindering horizontal movement. In most cases only a substantial shearingforce parallel to the interface 36 between magnets 26 and 30 coulddislodge auxiliary eyeglasses 10 but then that force would probablydislodge conventional eyeglasses 12 from the head of the wearer.

All the embodiments previously described require specially constructedeyeglass frames to accommodate the auxiliary eyeglasses containing themagnets. That is, the conventional eyeglass frames have permanentlymounted magnets as an integral part of temple extensions secured toconventional eyeglass frames. It would be advantageous if the systemdisclosed and described could be applied to existing conventionaleyeglass frames. For that purpose, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.14 through 20 has been conceived.

This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11through 13 because it employs the recessed socket to assist in alignmentand retention of the auxiliary eyeglasses on the conventional eyeglassframe. Where this embodiment differs is the use of existing conventionaleyeglass frame hardware for mounting the magnet. Thus the magnets can beattached to any existing conventional eyeglass frame.

As illustrated in FIG. 14 conventional eyeglass frame 12 has a extension22′ for attachment of temples 24. Temple extensions 22′ and temples 24are attached to conventional eyeglass frame 12 with screws 88. Thisoptional embodiment takes advantage of that mounting hardware.

This optional embodiment provides a universal adapter 80 comprised of asocket 82 having a tongue 84 with a screw hole 86 for receiving a screw88. Universal adapter 80 is mounted on conventional eyeglass templeextension 22′ by threading mounting screw 88 into hole 90. Universaladapter 80 thus allows a magnet to be attached to any conventionaleyeglass frame as illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 17.

The construction and mounting of universal adapter 80 is illustratedmore clearly shown in sectional views of FIGS. 16 and 17. Universaladapter 80 is comprised of a socket 82 for receiving magnet 92.Preferably socket 82 has a recess 94 for receiving raised magnet 26′ insocket 28 attached to temple extension 18 on auxiliary eyeglass framesand 10′. Thus the universal adapter 80 disclosed allows auxiliaryeyeglasses 10′ to be attached to any existing conventional eyeglassframe by simply attaching the universal adapter to the eyeglass frameswith a screw 90 that also holds or secures conventional eyeglass temples24.

An optional construction of universal adapter 80 is illustrated in FIG.17. This universal adapter 80′ functions exactly the same except that itis comprised of a bar 96 forming tongue 84 secured to cylinder 98 bywelding 100. A magnet 102 is seated in cylinder 98 providing a recess104 for receiving magnets 26 mounted in socket 28 on temple extension 18of auxiliary eyeglass frame 10′. Universal adapter 80′ attaches toconventional eyeglass frame as before with screw 88 threaded into hole90 for securing temples 24 to eyeglass frame 20.

Auxiliary eyeglass frame 10′ is mounted as described previously andshown in FIG. 15. Auxiliary eyeglass frame 10′ is mounted from thebottom by a upward movement to seat magnets 26′ in sockets 82 or 90 inuniversal adapter 80 or 80′. Recesses 94 or 104 securely hold auxiliaryeyeglass frame 10′ on conventional eyeglass frame 12.

Another optional configuration of the universal adapter 80 isillustrated in FIGS. 18 through 20. This configuration utilizes theexisting hardware for mounting or clamping a lens 21 in frame 12. Lens21 is mounted on conventional eyeglass frame 12 by clamping with screw106 through flanges 108. In this embodiment since screw 106 threads intoflanges 108 on conventional eyeglass 12 from the bottom, a modified ordifferent universal adapter is required.

Modified universal adapter 110 is shown in greater detail in sectionalview of FIG. 20 taken at 20—20 of FIG. 19. Universal adapter 110 iscomprised of a cylinder 112 having a socket 114 for receiving a magnet116.

To permit universal adapter 110 to be attached to the bottom ofconventional eyeglass clamping flanges 108 by screw 106, tab 118 extendsfrom the bottom periphery of cylinder 112 and has a hole 120 forreceiving mounting screw 106. Note in this embodiment that magnet 26′ insocket 122 provides a recess 124. Magnet 116 extends above the surfaceof cylinder 110 and seats in recess 124 of socket 122. This securelyholds auxiliary eyeglasses 10′ on conventional eyeglasses 12. Thusuniversal adapter 110 can be mounted below flange 108 with screw 106that is used to clamp and hold lens 21 in conventional frame 12. Thesectional view of FIG. 20 illustrates that the magnet on the auxiliaryeyeglass 10′ can be recessed rather than the magnet on the conventionaleyeglass frames or vice-a-versa as shown previously.

The mounting of auxiliary eyeglasses 10′ on conventional eyeglass frames12 is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. Universal adapter 110 withintegrally formed tab 118 is attached to conventional eyeglass frame 12by threading screw 106 through hole 120 into flange 108 as illustratedin sectional view of FIG. 20. For the universal adapter 110 mounted oneach side of conventional eyeglass frame 12, auxiliary eyeglass 110 canthen be fitted from beneath by sliding auxiliary eyeglass frame up onconventional on eyeglass frame 12. until magnet 116 extending fromcylinder 112 mates with magnet 26′ on auxiliary eyeglass appendages 18.

Thus there has been disclosed novel and unique methods for attachingauxiliary eyeglass to conventional eyeglasses. In one embodiment,magnets having an orientation such that their maximum magnetic force isvertical or parallel with conventional eyeglass frame is sufficient tohold the auxiliary eyeglasses securely on the conventional eyeglasses.

Auxiliary eyeglasses 10′ have appendages with cylindrical sockets forreceiving magnets. Magnets are mounted on temple extension ofconventional eyeglasses for receiving the auxiliary eyeglass frameappendages 18 that pass beneath the temple extensions of theconventional eyeglass. In another preferred variation, the magnets inone socket is recessed while in the other socket the magnet is extendedto assist in alignment in holding the auxiliary eyeglass frame on theconventional eyeglass frame.

In still another embodiment of the invention, magnets are mounted in auniversal adapter cylindrical sockets that can be mounted onconventional eyeglass frames utilizing existing hardware. In thisembodiment, a magnet is mounted in a cylinder having a socket forreceiving the magnet and a tongue having a hole for receiving a templemounting screw. The cylindrical socket for receiving the magnet facesdownward and is recessed for receiving an extended magnet mounted on anappendages of auxiliary eyeglasses to seat in the recess in theuniversal adapter.

Another variation employs a universal adapter that attaches by using thescrew for closing and clamping the conventional eyeglass frame around alens. In this embodiment, a cylindrical socket is formed for receiving amagnet facing downward and is mounted beneath the flange for the lensclamping screw and has a tongue for securing the auxiliary universaladapter to the lens clamping flange.

In another less preferred embodiment a clip is attached to or integrallyformed on the bridge of the auxiliary eyeglass frame for fitting overand securing the auxiliary eyeglasses to the bridge of the conventionaleyeglasses.

In yet a third but less preferred embodiment a combination of clips andmagnets are employed to mount auxiliary eyeglasses on conventionaleyeglasses. In this third embodiment clips are formed in an upperquadrant on the frame of the auxiliary eyeglasses that fit over theframe of the conventional eyeglasses. Magnets embedded in the bridge ofthe conventional eyeglasses mate with magnets embedded in the bridge ofthe auxiliary eyeglasses such as the auxiliary eyeglass bridge fitsbeneath the conventional eyeglass bridge.

This invention is not to be limited by the embodiment shown in thedrawings and described in the description which is given by way ofexample and not of limitation, but only in accordance with the scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for attaching auxiliary eyeglasses toconventional eyeglasses comprising; a plurality of magnets mounted onsaid conventional eyeglasses; each of said plurality of magnets beingmounted in a universal adapter constructed to be mounted on saidconventional eyeglasses with existing hardware, said universal adaptercomprising; a socket for mounting a magnet; a tongue extending from saidsocket; said tongue having a mounting hole for receiving a mountingscrew for attaching said universal adapter to frames of saidconventional eyeglasses; a plurality of magnets mounted on saidauxiliary eyeglasses for mating with said plurality of magnets on saidconventional eyeglasses; said plurality of magnets on said conventionaleyeglasses and said mounting plurality of magnets on said auxiliaryeyeglasses being oriented such that the maximum magnetic attractiveforce between said magnets is oriented vertically parallel to lenses insaid conventional eyeglasses; whereby said plurality of magnets on saidauxiliary glasses mate with said plurality of magnets attached to saidconventional eyeglasses by said universal adapter.
 2. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 in which said tongue is integrally formed on saidsocket for receiving said magnet.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2in which said tongue is integrally formed on said socker for mountingwith said screw to an existing mounting hole for attaching temples tosaid conventional eyeglasses.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2 inwhich said tongue is integrally formed on said socket for mounting withsaid screw to existing holes in a flange for clamping a lens in saidconventional eyeglass frame.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 2 inwhich said tongue is welded to said socket for receiving said magnet. 6.The apparatus according to claim 5 in which said tab is welded on saidsocket for mounting with said screw to an existing mounting hole forattaching temples to said conventional eyeglass frame.
 7. The apparatusaccording to claim 2 in which each of said plurality magnets in saidsocket form a recess; each of said plurality magnets on said auxiliaryeyeglasses are extended; whereby said extended magnets fit into saidrecess and mate with a respective magnet in said universal adapter. 8.The apparatus according to claim 2 in which each of said magnets in saidsocket extend beyond an end of said socket; each of said plurality ofmagnets on said auxiliary eyeglasses are mounted to form a recess;whereby said extended magnets fit into said recess and mate with arespective magnet on said auxiliary eyeglasses.